☰
  • Why Us
    • Our Unique Approach
    • Our Story
    • Testimonials
    • State-of-the-Art Dentistry
    • Accreditations & Awards
    • Doctors and Crew
    • Military Support
    • Insurance Accepted
    • Community Sponsorship
  • In The News
    • News & Interviews
    • Press Releases
    • Blog
    • New Book: If Your Mouth Could Talk
  • Pediatric Dentistry
    • Pediatric Dental Services
    • Dental Sealants for Kids
    • Kids Cavities & Child Tooth Decay Treatment
    • Pre/Post-Opp Instructions
    • Locations
  • Orthodontics
    • Orthodontic Services
    • Congratulations on your Orthodontic Journey
    • Clear Aligners
    • Braces
    • Locations
  • Parent Dentistry
    • Parent Dentistry Services
      • Digital X-Rays
    • Teeth Whitening
    • Parent Dentistry Post-OP
    • Locations
  • Patient Resources
    • All Resources
    • Blog
    • Fun Stuff/Videos
      • Super Music!
    • Patient Education
      • The Super Toothbrush
      • Augmented Reality
      • Infographic Library
    • Convenient Hours
    • Self-Service Solutions
    • Refer a Friend
    • Insurance Accepted
    • Parent’s Checklist
    • FAQs
  • Locations
    • All Locations
    • Kearny Mesa
    • Eastlake
    • Chula Vista
    • Escondido
    • Carmel Valley
    • Oceanside

The Super Dentists

Call or Text1 (855) GO SUPER (467-8737)

San Diego Orthodontic & Pediatric Dentists

En Español
We have the best appointment availability in our newest locations, Carmel Valley & Escondido
Book an Appointment
  • Why Us
    • Our Unique Approach
    • Our Story
    • Testimonials
    • State-of-the-Art Dentistry
    • Accreditations & Awards
    • Doctors and Crew
    • Military Support
    • Insurance Accepted
    • Community Sponsorship
  • In The News
    • News & Interviews
    • Press Releases
    • Blog
    • New Book: If Your Mouth Could Talk
  • Pediatric Dentistry
    • Pediatric Dental Services
    • Dental Sealants for Kids
    • Kids Cavities & Child Tooth Decay Treatment
    • Pre/Post-Opp Instructions
    • Locations
  • Orthodontics
    • Orthodontic Services
    • Congratulations on your Orthodontic Journey
    • Clear Aligners
    • Braces
    • Locations
  • Parent Dentistry
    • Parent Dentistry Services
      • Digital X-Rays
    • Teeth Whitening
    • Parent Dentistry Post-OP
    • Locations
  • Patient Resources
    • All Resources
    • Blog
    • Fun Stuff/Videos
      • Super Music!
    • Patient Education
      • The Super Toothbrush
      • Augmented Reality
      • Infographic Library
    • Convenient Hours
    • Self-Service Solutions
    • Refer a Friend
    • Insurance Accepted
    • Parent’s Checklist
    • FAQs
  • Locations
    • All Locations
    • Kearny Mesa
    • Eastlake
    • Chula Vista
    • Escondido
    • Carmel Valley
    • Oceanside

Fatherly I This is When You Should Expect to Start Playing Tooth Fairy

by The Super Dentists

While the onset of developmental milestones varies from child to child, the age when baby teeth fall out is particularly broad. On average, kids’ teeth fall out at 6-years old. But some parents start playing tooth fairy for kids as young as 4, while others may need to wait until their child turns 9.

Orthodontist Dr. Kami Hoss, the founder of The Super Dentists, assures parents that there’s little to worry about if their child ends up on the latter end of the spectrum. “If all teeth are delayed, there could be several reasons,” he notes.“The primary would be genetics, and it’s usually ok if teeth are universally and sequentially delayed in falling out.”

The first teeth to fall out are ordinarily the lower incisors (front central), followed by the upper incisors, primary molars, lower canines, and finally the upper canines. Those 20 baby teeth are replaced by 20 permanent teeth, and over the next few years, the jaw grows enough to make space for 12 additional permanent teeth.

Of course, kids don’t always let nature run its course. It’s not uncommon for a kid to lose a baby tooth prematurely in an unfortunate playground accident or collision with the kitchen counter.

Dr. Hoss says that, unlike permanent teeth, a dentist wouldn’t look to put the tooth back in. “With baby teeth, once it falls out we would look to see if we would need to do a partial or just leave it as-is.”

To ensure your child’s teeth are as healthy as possible and to prevent any problems that may occur, Dr. Hoss suggests parents use the “1, 4, 7” method as they plan their child’s oral healthcare.

“No later than one-year-old to see the dentist for the first time. No later than four to stop bad oral habits such as thumb sucking. And no later than seven to see the orthodontist ensure there is room for all of the permanent teeth to come in,” Hoss explains.

Early visits to the dentist allow kids to be evaluated using the American Dental Association’s Caries Risk Assessment, which can help dentists alert parents to any possible issues. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry notes that “In addition to the caries assessment, the dentist will address any growth and development issues that may be specific to a particular child, such as the delayed eruption of teeth or rare structural abnormalities or habits that may predict future needs.”

An abnormally long delay in the loss of baby teeth could be a sign of something that a dentist or orthodontist would want to catch early. According to Dr. Hoss, the most likely culprits would be supernumerary teeth (extra teeth that are there that prevent permanent teeth from coming in), or teeth with roots that are anchored against another tooth and don’t allow a permanent tooth to come in.

With so many developmental milestones for parents to track, losing baby teeth isn’t one that needs to take up much mental bandwidth. The permanent teeth will make sure they have room to come in when the time is right, and if it looks like they won’t then your dentist will be able to tip you off ahead of time.

This article by Christian Dashiell was originally posted on Fatherly.com on 4/1/21. 

Fatherly I This is When You Should Expect to Start Playing Tooth Fairy was last modified: November 16th, 2022 by The Super Dentists

Category: In The News

About the Super Dentists

The Super Dentists are San Diego’s largest and most trusted Pediatric Dentist, Orthodontic and Parent Dentistry practice. We create the most unique and out-of-this-world dental experience for children and their parents. We are the only dental practice where kids ask, and even beg, their parents to take them to the dentist - imagine that! We offer the newest technologies for the most comfortable, safe and effective dental treatments. The Super Dentists accept most insurance, including Medi-Cal, and is available on the weekends and for emergencies. With 6 locations throughout San Diego and growing, the practice gives back to our communities whenever possible by hosting free quarterly events, and complimentary dental care to those in need.

Related Articles

Dr. Kami

Seminar – Your Complete Guide to Oral Care Products

by The Super Dentists

REGISTER ON YANKEE DENTAL Date: Saturday 1/28/2023 Time: 1:00 - 3:00 pm Course Code: 685SL Cost: No Charge Room Location: BCEC Exhibit Floor Cl... Read More

Category: Dental Health

Dr Hoss

Pediatricians Update Guidelines for Children’s Dental ...

by The Super Dentists

READ ON HEALTHLINE Michelle Pugle About 40% of children in the United States experience tooth decay known as dental caries by age 19. The factors behin... Read More

Category: Dental Health

How Bad Is It Really to Share a Toothbrush?

by The Super Dentists

READ ON LIVESTRONG Jessica Migala We've all been caught without a toothbrush. You're vacationing at a house rental, camping or staying at a friend's or da... Read More

Category: Dental Health

Schedule an appointment or have questions?

Call Us
1 (855) GO SUPER
or Text 1 (844) 765-1234

Connect With The Super Dentists

Get our newsletters!

KidsFest dates

  • 05/29
  • 06/12
  • 06/26
  • 07/10
  • 07/17
  • 07/31
  • 08/21
  • 09/11
  • 10/02
  • Why The Super Dentists
  • Orthodontist
  • PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY
  • Parent & Adult Dentistry
  • Patient Resources
  • New Dental Technology & Services
  • FAQ
  • San Diego Area Pediatric Dentist Locations
    • Carmel Valley
    • Chula Vista
    • Eastlake
    • Escondido
    • Kearny Mesa
    • Oceanside
  • Contact Us
  • Career Opportunities
  • Super Kids’ Club
  • Blog
  • Sitemap

© 2023 The Super Dentists. All Rights Reserved.

  • Why Us
    • Our Unique Approach
    • Our Story
    • Testimonials
    • State-of-the-Art Dentistry
    • Accreditations & Awards
    • Doctors and Crew
    • Military Support
    • Insurance Accepted
    • Community Sponsorship
  • In The News
    • News & Interviews
    • Press Releases
    • Blog
    • New Book: If Your Mouth Could Talk
  • Pediatric Dentistry
    • Pediatric Dental Services
    • Dental Sealants for Kids
    • Kids Cavities & Child Tooth Decay Treatment
    • Pre/Post-Opp Instructions
    • Locations
  • Orthodontics
    • Orthodontic Services
    • Congratulations on your Orthodontic Journey
    • Clear Aligners
    • Braces
    • Locations
  • Parent Dentistry
    • Parent Dentistry Services
      • Digital X-Rays
    • Teeth Whitening
    • Parent Dentistry Post-OP
    • Locations
  • Patient Resources
    • All Resources
    • Blog
    • Fun Stuff/Videos
      • Super Music!
    • Patient Education
      • The Super Toothbrush
      • Augmented Reality
      • Infographic Library
    • Convenient Hours
    • Self-Service Solutions
    • Refer a Friend
    • Insurance Accepted
    • Parent’s Checklist
    • FAQs
  • Locations
    • All Locations
    • Kearny Mesa
    • Eastlake
    • Chula Vista
    • Escondido
    • Carmel Valley
    • Oceanside